Akali leader found in possession of poppy husk

Police have arrested a recently elected block samiti member and senior akali leader, Baldev Singh, a resident of Talwandi Bhangerian village along with his close aide, Ajaib Singh, a resident of Kot-ise-khan for allegedly smuggling poppy husk in Moga district on Monday. Baldev Singh contested block samiti election under the ruling, Shiromani Akali Dal.

Station house officer, Arvind Puri said the police have also recovered 10 bags of poppy husk from the duo.

"We have received a tip-off that some smugglers entered in the district in a veruna car and they were trying to sell poppy husk in Ajitwal area. We established barricades in our area and while the police tried to stop the car near Dhudike village, the driver of the car turned around and tried to flee. But after a long chase we nabbed the culprits," said Puri.

"During the search, we found 10 bags of poppy husk and we arrested both of them. Each bag was 35 kg and the value of this poppy husk in the international market is Rs 4 lakh," he added. Senior superintendent of police, Moga, Surjit Singh Grewal said he was not aware the arrested person Baldev Singh was an elected block samiti member.

A case has been registered against the duo under sections 15, 61 and 85 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Act.

On the other hand, Moga deputy commissioner, Arshdeep Singh Thind said he has not received any complaint regarding this, however, if any body submits a written complain, further action would be taken with immediate effect.